The delay in completing a culvert at Puthenveettilpady on the MC Road near Chengannur, under the Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP), could create serious traffic problems in the Sabarimala pilgrim season that begins on November 17.
Though the KSTP authorities had promised to complete the culvert and open it for vehicular traffic on September 26, the contractors have not yet completed work on its approach roads. Local MLA P.C. Vishnunath had initiated talks with the KSTP authorities and World Bank officials two weeks ago and the meeting had decided to open the culvert for vehicular traffic from September 26. The KSTP authorities had announced earlier that the culvert would be opened for traffic before the Onam festival in August.
The KSTP officials attribute the delay to untimely rains. Heavy vehicles from Thiruvalla side have been taking the Kallisserry-Kuttikkatupady diversion route from Kallisserry. This diversion road is damaged, posing threat even to pedestrians.
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The vehicles coming from Chengannur are being diverted through the heavily damaged Puthenvettilpady-Pattathanathupady Road to join the MC Road at Mundankavu for the past one year.